A few weeks ago, we began a countdown to the Independent Games Festival. The way this works is easy: we simply select and discuss games randomly from the lengthy (306 total) list of IGF submissions. For this week’s column, I played through some impressive titles: an incredible puzzle-platformer titled Closure, a puzzle escapist in Demonica, and just plain old interesting Don’t Shit Your Pants.

Before starting this I want to emphasize that this is only meant to give you my impressions and perhaps that extra kick to try out some of the IGF submissions, whether they be these or any of the other 306. I assure you, you will discover that there is something unique about each and every game. And hey, if you’re lucky, some of them are even playable for free! All right, without further ado, here are this week’s picks.

Anybody Got a Light?

Closure is a phenomenal concept. It’s hard to believe that it works almost flawlessly. You control a character who must make it through each stage by traversing through the darkness, either holding a small orb of light or cleverly placing it into a holder which will unearth more of the stage. Whatever is in the darkness does not exist physically. This means that if you jump out of the light into the darkness, you will have to begin the stage over again.

The game is true to its formula and proves to be an original piece of puzzle-platforming genius. Move around with the arrows and pick up or drop the orbs with the SPACE button. Holding onto the orb as you move will light up whatever is around you but it is when you must place it into a holder that the game becomes an experience out of your control. You’ll have to restart repeatedly at times but this is made easy with the “ENTER” button. Each stage ends when you make it through the door. Eventually, you will need keys to open these doors and the mechanics pile up to create a worthwhile experience. But as much as I like talking about this game, I think you should give it a play right here. Good luck to the Closure Team!

“And the only word there spoken was the whispered no exit more…”

Seems Demonica creators INOgame knew a thing or two about Edgar Allan Poe. They have created a game which centers not around enemies or points, but around escaping the environment. The surreal title looks pretty astonishing and plays even better. Control a device in which you are bound, moving through the deep trenches of an unknown territory. You have a compass to guide you and it can be accessed by staying still for a few moments. You will be forced not to hit the walls as they will destroy your ship and the ever-dreaded “Game Over” screen will come up. The main objective is to collect the 5 runes and take them to the portal at the center of the map. Picking them up is simple: get close to the rune and left-click it. This will allow you to grapple the rune back to your desired location.

Sounds easy enough, doesn’t it? Well, the real challenge is controlling the ship with your mouse. If you left-click uncontrollably through the environment then you are bound to fail. If, however, you play carefully and observe the territory around you, you can probably beat the game and go on to try and best your time. INOgame has made the title available for download at this location. Seeing as how this is a freshly constructed title, we have high hopes for them in the competition!

…Don’t Shit Your Pants…

Decade Studios calls it the “re-imagining of the survival horror genre” and boy, is it scary! Don’t Shit Your Pants is an extremely humorous indie game that spans no longer than a minute. Your objective is clearly stated in the name of the game, so don’t shit your pants. Early on, you discover that your character needs to take a dump, so you must type in (yes, this is a typing game) actions for him to do anything but shit his pants.

That’s about all I’ll say about this game because once you figure it out, the hilarity is what will keep you playing. Check this title out right here. While it may not be Game of the Year, it will certainly garner a few chuckles from you and your friends.

And there you have it, another installment of our IGF Submission Picks. I challenge you to get deeper into the list of contestants and find the true gems you yearn to play. Until next time, kiddies, happy holidays from DIYgamer!